Hearty Lamb Tomato Casserole
Tender lamb shoulder is slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and cumin. This comforting English-inspired casserole is perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners.
Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- oven
- skillet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 450 g lamb shoulder cut into cubes
- 2 cups canned diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium gluten-free vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the lamb cubes on all sides for 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer the browned lamb to a casserole dish.
- Add the onion to the same skillet.
- Cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, rosemary, and thyme.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the lamb.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1½–2 hours until the lamb is fork-tender.
- Remove the casserole from the oven.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered rice, roasted root vegetables, steamed green beans, or crusty bread. These accompaniments are ideal for soaking up the rich tomato and herb sauce.Recipe Notes
Brown the lamb thoroughly before baking to create a deeper, richer flavor. Fresh rosemary and thyme provide the best aroma, but you can replace each tablespoon of fresh herbs with one teaspoon of dried herbs.Variations
Add diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, or potatoes for a more substantial casserole. Beef broth can replace the vegetable broth, while smoked paprika or chili flakes can provide additional warmth.Wine Advice
A robust Shiraz complements the richness of the lamb and tomato sauce. A smooth Merlot provides a softer alternative with enough fruit and body for this comforting casserole.Nutrition values
Calories: 380 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 31 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 340 g | Sodium: 7 mg | Sugar: 7 g